Articles tagged with Electric Vehicles
The European Union is requiring hybrid and pure electric vehicles to be equipped with acoustic vehicle alerting systems, which could lead to increased noise pollution. René Weinandy, head of Noise Abatement in Transport for the German Environment Agency, expressed concerns about the potential harm of these systems.
Researchers at KIT will develop process knowledge and innovative systems for series- and type-flexible production of electric motors. The 'AnStaHa' project aims to support medium-sized component suppliers and plant equipment providers in the automotive industry.
Researchers found that sitting in or standing near a charging Tesla port did not trigger a shock or affect defibrillator performance. The study's findings suggest electric vehicles are safe for individuals with cardiac defibrillators, according to the principal investigator.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory developed a probe to detect direct-current (DC) energy, ensuring safe contact with electrical lines. The 'Hot Stick' probe can penetrate cable insulation and indicate whether a cable is fully discharged of energy.
Researchers have developed a new manganese and sodium-ion-based material that could potentially lower battery costs and improve ecofriendliness. The new material uses sodium instead of lithium, which is more abundant but has some drawbacks, such as lower energy density.
Researchers at WMG, University of Warwick, discovered that intelligent management of vehicle-to-grid technology can improve EV battery life by up to 10% while powering large buildings. Their 'smart grid' algorithm optimizes energy transfer without degrading batteries.
Wireless charging technology overcomes distance limitations to enable continuous recharging of electric vehicles. Stanford researchers developed an efficient system that allows for dynamic charging without manual tuning.
A new study by Concordia economics professor Ian Irvine reveals that electric vehicle (EV) subsidies could actually increase greenhouse gas emissions in Canada. The subsidies encourage the production of more EVs but undermine efficiency requirements for conventional vehicles, resulting in a zero or negative near-term GHG benefit.
Purdue researchers develop 'instantly rechargeable' battery technology that can be refilled like a gas tank, eliminating the need for re-charging stations. This innovation could expedite the adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles by reducing charging time and infrastructure costs.
A new study suggests that renewable energy sources are crucial for consumers to buy electric vehicles, as environmental performance trumps price and range confidence. The research found that participants prioritized the need for electricity to be produced from renewable sources for electric vehicles to be a true green alternative.
Researchers at Columbia University are developing virtual power conversion systems that use interchangeable converter modules and software to control the converter function, reducing size, cost, and increasing reliability. These systems could lead to 20-30% reductions in Volt-Ampere rating for electric vehicle drivetrains.
A Stanford University study compared battery electric vehicles with hydrogen fuel cell vehicles in a hypothetical future scenario. The results showed that investing in all-electric battery vehicles is a more economical choice for reducing carbon dioxide emissions. Battery electric vehicles offer higher energy efficiency and lower costs...
A team of Penn State materials scientists has developed a unique three-dimensional sandwich-like structure that protects the dense electric field in the polymer/ceramic composite from dielectric breakdown. The material has been shown to have high energy density, power density and excellent charge-discharge efficiency, making it highly ...
A comprehensive study found that 90% of personal vehicles on the road can be replaced by low-cost electric vehicles, reducing emissions and meeting near-term climate targets. The study analyzed driving behavior and energy requirements to demonstrate the feasibility of widespread EV adoption.
A new membrane inspired by cacti can improve fuel cell efficiency by up to four times in hot and dry conditions. This technology could transform the electric vehicle industry by reducing water management issues and increasing performance.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University and George Washington University have developed a way to convert carbon dioxide into batteries using graphite electrodes replaced with carbon material recovered from the atmosphere. This process produces carbon nanotubes that can be incorporated into lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries, offering a ...
New research reveals that a common lithium battery catalyst harms a key soil bacterium, raising concerns about the environmental impact of these materials. The study found that the compound nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC) impairs the growth and respiration of Shewanella oneidensis, a hardy soil bacterium.
A new study suggests that governments can easily make subsidies too low when ignoring consumer demand uncertainty, leading to slower adoption of clean technologies. Higher subsidy levels are needed to kick-start sales and meet uncertain demand.
The new center aims to harmonize electric vehicle charging infrastructure, enabling seamless communication between cars and grids. It drafts international standards for interoperability testing and develops physical devices to connect vehicles to the grid.
The University of Missouri engineer Yangchuan Xing has received a $2.2 million DOE grant to develop manufacturing technology for lithium ion batteries used in electric vehicles. The project aims to drive down the cost of environmentally friendly automobiles, creating jobs and economic development in Missouri.
A team of Penn State researchers has created a simple mathematical formula to predict the most influential factors in lithium-ion battery aging. The formula takes into account state of charge, charging/discharging frequency, operating temperature, and current to estimate battery degradation.
Researchers at Toyohashi University of Technology have developed a new method to measure the kQ product in real-time, allowing for highly efficient wireless power-transfer systems. This system improves design speeds, facilitates quick discovery of structures and dimensions, and enables rapid optimization of transmission frequencies.
The authors identified factors that can protect against range stress in battery electric vehicles, including hands-on experience and trust in the range estimation system. The study found that even mild encounters with range stress can reduce user satisfaction and acceptance.
Analysis reveals that public charging infrastructure is not needed everywhere, with homes, workplaces, and 'hot spots' sufficient for adoption. Drivers tend to favor a few public stations when away from home, with workplace charging enabling significant electric range extension.
A Berkeley Lab study finds that electric vehicle batteries can meet daily travel needs beyond 20% capacity loss. Most drivers will still have their needs met even after substantial degradation.
Researchers at Michigan State University reveal two hidden benefits of electric vehicles: reduced heat emission and potential cooling effect on city dwellers. The study finds that replacing gas-powered vehicles with electric ones could reduce urban heat intensity by nearly 1 degree Celsius, saving energy and carbon emissions.
A new INFORMS study suggests that combining battery leasing with improved charging technology can alleviate range and resale anxieties, increasing electric vehicle adoption. The study finds that these combined models yield higher benefits than traditional ownership models, particularly in terms of emission savings and consumer surplus.
A VCU professor has received a five-year grant to extend the lifespan of lithium-ion batteries, reducing their cost and carbon footprint. He aims to develop alternative battery materials that are nontoxic and abundant, enabling the creation of more sustainable energy storage solutions.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new software that estimates the range of electric vehicles by analyzing traffic data, weather, road grade and other variables. The tool uses a predictive, big-data approach to reduce range estimation error to a couple of miles and achieve 95% accuracy in some case studies.
Engineers at TUM have developed a light-weight torque vectoring transmission for electric vehicles, which recovers braking energy more efficiently. The system, used in select top model cars with combustion engines, also enhances road handling dynamics and driving pleasure.
The Visio.M consortium presents a safety package for compact electric vehicles, providing a safe compartment and passenger protection through advanced materials and sensor systems. The integrated safety concept uses radar and camera sensors to recognize critical situations and activate protective measures.
The team's innovative approach allows for the separation between electric vehicle purchase and battery pack costs, potentially lowering prices by $10,000. Swappable modules also enable users to recharge batteries at home, expanding access to electric vehicles in cities without wall outlets.
A new INFORMS study suggests that US consumers are better off choosing electric vehicles with a range below 100 miles due to the high cost of batteries. The study found that the majority of consumers will benefit from short-range BEVs once battery costs drop below $100 per kilowatt hour.
Several companies are racing to develop new battery technologies for electric vehicles, including sodium-ion and lithium-metal options. These alternatives could potentially improve range and reduce costs, making them more viable for mass production.
Researchers developed a new material to capture problematic polysulfides in lithium-sulfur batteries, increasing their lifespan. The battery's power capacity was maintained at 89% after 100 charge-and-discharge cycles.
Berkeley Lab researchers found that hybrid cars are significantly more fuel-efficient in India and China than in the United States. In India, hybrids use up to 47-48% less fuel, while in China, they use up to 53-55%. The study's findings have important implications for countries with growing personal vehicle markets like India.
Researchers have made progress on a 'breathing' battery that could replace lithium-ion technology in electric vehicles, with the potential for nearly twice the energy storage capacity. The new battery design uses air instead of traditional materials and has shown high conductivity and the ability to discharge and recharge 100 times.
The Fraunhofer Institute's micro smart grid demonstrator is designed to manage EV fleets efficiently, avoiding short circuits during peak load times. The system aims to provide electricity exclusively from renewable sources, reducing the country's reliance on imported electricity and mitigating power outages.
A team of University of Vermont scientists has developed a novel solution to manage the growing fleet of plug-in electric cars, allowing them to charge in smaller chunks and distribute demand over time. The approach uses smart meters and computer algorithms to smooth out supply and demand, protecting grid overload.
Researchers developed robotic fish inspired by the weakly electric black ghost knifefish to study fragile coral reefs and investigate sunken ships. The technology improves underwater vehicles' agility, allowing them to navigate complex geometries in murky waters.
A new study from North Carolina State University indicates that increasing electric drive vehicle use will have little impact on reducing carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxide emissions. The researchers found that even if EDVs made up 42 percent of passenger vehicles, there would be limited emission reductions.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab have developed a lithium-sulfur (Li/S) battery with more than twice the specific energy of lithium-ion batteries and up to 1,500 cycles without significant capacity loss. The battery's high performance makes it promising for electric vehicles with long driving ranges.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed new technologies to improve tiny engines, analyze vast amounts of information, and boost hybrid electric vehicles. Transient doping has been successfully achieved using only electrons, while a new inverter design reduces battery losses and improves efficiency.
Recent advances have enabled electric vehicles (EVs) to achieve sustained speeds of over 180 miles per hour and establish world speed records above 300 mph. EVs have inherent advantages in efficiency and torque, with energy storage-to-torque being above 90 percent efficient compared to less than 35 percent for internal combustion engines.
A team of researchers discovered that resonance frequency matching, alignment of the magnetic field, and impedance matching are crucial for efficient wireless power transfer. This technology could enable dynamic charging of electric vehicles on highways, increasing their driving ranges indefinitely.
A new catalyst, based on carbon nanotubes, shows high oxygen reduction reaction activity in alkaline media, critical for efficient storage of electrical energy. This breakthrough could enable economical lithium-air batteries to power electric vehicles and provide reliable energy storage for intermittent green energy sources.
The study found that lithium-ion battery performance begins to suffer at temperatures above 86 degrees Fahrenheit, and proper charging habits can extend its life. The researchers recommended second-life applications for batteries after they reach their full capacity, such as utility storage or recycling.
PNNL researchers are developing a range of innovative clean energy technologies, including thermal energy storage that can store solar heat for up to 10 times longer than traditional molten salts. Additionally, the lab has created lightweight fuel tanks for compressed natural gas vehicles and rare earth-free magnets for electric motors.
The PEV Scorecard helps communities evaluate their readiness for plug-in electric vehicle deployment, providing feedback and guidance for improvement. The tool offers a comprehensive assessment of charging infrastructure, planning, regulations, and support services.
Researchers at NREL are developing advanced electric vehicle technology, renewable energy resources for charging, and grid integration to accelerate adoption. Smart charging capabilities enable efficient use of the grid, while bi-directional charging turns vehicles into grid storage devices.
The Advanced Management and Protection of Energy Storage Devices (AMPED) program will focus on optimizing lithium-ion batteries for electric-drive vehicles through improved management and controls. The project aims to increase utilization, life, and cost-effectiveness of Li-ion batteries.
Researchers at Notre Dame are developing mathematical algorithms to integrate plug-in hybrid electric vehicles into the power grid, anticipating optimization problems for various parties. The goal is to create an efficient system that benefits consumers, companies, and the environment.
A new technique has been developed by North Carolina State University researchers to improve the accuracy of determining a battery's remaining charge in real-time. This will enable electric vehicle drivers to better estimate when their car may run out of juice.
Researchers developed a GPS-like device to optimize electric vehicle routes, reducing energy consumption and emissions. The system takes into account factors such as traffic conditions, road type, grade, and passenger/cargo weight to increase range by at least 10%.
Researchers have created an ultrafast nickel-iron battery that can be fully charged in about 2 minutes and discharged in less than 30 seconds. The new battery uses graphene and multi-walled carbon nanotubes to improve performance, making it suitable for applications such as electric vehicles and emergency situations.
The Visio.M project aims to develop electric cars that are safe, inexpensive, and efficient. Researchers have overcome significant technological hurdles to create a vehicle with a power of 15 kilowatts and a maximum curb weight of 400 kg.
A large-scale shift to green energy sources could lead to a significant increase in demand for rare earth elements, used in wind turbines and electric vehicles. To mitigate this, researchers suggest materials substitution, improved efficiency, and increased reuse, recycling, and use of scrap.
Electric cars in China cause much more overall harmful particulate matter pollution than gasoline cars due to power plant emissions; however, their impact on public health is lower due to distance from population centers. E-bikes yield the lowest environmental health impacts per passenger.
A new MIT study suggests that electric vehicles can cost 9 to 12 percent less to operate than diesel engines for urban deliveries, leading to potential savings of $900 to $1,400 per truck per year. The study also explores the viability of vehicle-to-grid systems, which could provide additional revenue streams through power services.
The University of California, Riverside has received a $2 million award to build solar arrays and advanced battery storage systems for electric vehicles. The project will also install an electric trolley and grid management system to provide clean energy to clean vehicles efficiently.